Loader operator

Stella-Jones Inc.; Kirkland Lake; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Stella-Jones Inc. in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, seeks a Loader Operator to support shipping/receiving, tram and kiln loading, pole prep and branding, and general yard duties. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy in load calculations, and adherence to OHSA standards throughout daily operations.

The position requires basic education, at least one year of heavy equipment experience, and preferred forklift or chainsaw certifications. Strong English communication and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of experience operating heavy mobile equipment.
• Forklift and/or Chainsaw certifications are strong assets.
• Clear English communication, both written and spoken.
• Basic math and load calculation aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy loaders and mobile yard equipment.
• Load and unload pole trailers, kiln carts, and treating carts.
• Transport utility poles to designated staging areas across the yard.
• Inspect, prepare, and brand utility poles per specs.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections and report mechanical defects.
• Verify load contents, calculate weights, and complete shift reports.
• Maintain tidy, safe work areas around branding stations.
• Adhere to OHSA and internal safety standards at all times.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

English communication

Safety mindset

Education

High school diploma (Grade 12)

Tools

Forklift certification

Chainsaw certification

Job description

Position Summary

Stella-Jones is seeking a reliable and safety-minded Loader Operator to join our team in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. In this role, you will be responsible for shipping and receiving operations, tram and kiln loading/unloading, pole preparation and branding, and general mobile equipment operation throughout the pole yard.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy loaders and mobile yard equipment.
• Load and unload pole trailers, kiln carts, and treating carts.
• Transport utility poles safely and efficiently to designated staging areas across the yard.
• Inspect, prepare, and brand utility poles according to customer and quality specifications.
• Conduct mandatory pre-shift and daily mobile equipment inspections, promptly reporting any mechanical defects.
• Verify load contents, calculate weights, and complete required shift/tally reports.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas around framing and branding stations.
• Strictly adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and internal safety standards at all times.
• Perform other yard and operational duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Competencies

• High school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience operating heavy mobile equipment (wheel loader experience preferred).
• Valid Forklift certification and/or Chainsaw certification are considered strong assets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Working knowledge of utility pole handling, grading, or timber operations is an asset.
• Basic mathematical and analytical aptitude to perform load calculations and resolve yard staging scenarios.
• Safety-first mindset with high attention to detail and equipment care.

Physical, Handling & Environmental Demands

• Physical Mobility: Ability to stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and climb stairs, ladders, and equipment access steps throughout the shift.
• Dexterity & Handling: Ability to reach above shoulder level and demonstrate manual dexterity to handle tools, branding equipment, rigging hardware, and heavy chains.
• Lifting Capacity: Physical capability to lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Mental & Analytical: Ability to write clear shift documentation, perform basic load calculations, communicate orally via two-way radio, and analyze yard scenarios to ensure safe movement of materials.
• Work Environment: Comfortable working outdoors in all seasonal climate conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold), driving motorized equipment, and operating in an active yard environment with moving machinery and elevated noise levels.